Need Some Advice

[Asia Bethea]

Hello Everyone, 

I'm new on the Real Estate Journey and just like many newbies I have a lot of questions on where to begin. Just a little about me, I work full time at a bank, i'm 21 and i'm also new to the BP website. My current situation is that I currently rent my first ever apartment, and so far I am a GREAT tenant. But I knew for a little while now that I don't want to be a "renter" my whole life so when my lease is up ( May 2017) I want to venture out and get my first rental property. Is that possible with little experience? I want to purchase a buy and hold, multi family, and it will be owner occupied. I'm looking in the New Haven, CT area if anyone is familiar with this city. I was thinking about a possible fixer upper if I qualify for the FHA 203k loan. Should I start with a 2 or 3 family as a first timer? Preparing for my big jump, I've been working on my credit ( currently at a 614ish) and steadily jumping. Is it possible to reach a 700 or higher in a 6 month time frame? And how much savings should I have for a bank to think about lending to me, or does a steady history of savings work for me as long as I do get the money for closing costs, etc. from, say, a relative? Any advice will be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance.